Cristiano Ronaldo admits he considered international retirement following World Cup exit

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he seriously contemplated retiring from international football following Portugal's elimination from the World Cup. The 41-year-old forward, who is set to earn his 234th cap in Thursday's Nations League clash against Wales, admitted that the round-of-16 defeat to Spain in July prompted him to reflect deeply on his future with the national side.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, the veteran captain confirmed that he held discussions with both the national federation president and head coach Jorge Jesus regarding his role. Despite the disappointment of the tournament exit, Ronaldo expressed his continued belief in his ability to contribute to the squad's objectives, stating that he intends to remain available for selection as long as he feels he can provide value on the pitch.

Ronaldo also addressed the scrutiny he faces from certain segments of the Portuguese media. While he noted that he feels supported by the majority of fans, he acknowledged that some critics have actively campaigned for his exclusion from the national team. Dismissing the negativity, the forward stated that he has grown accustomed to such pressure over his two-decade career. He emphasized that his focus remains on the supporters who appreciate his contributions and the younger fans who view him as a role model.

Looking toward the future, the forward offered a lighthearted comment regarding his eventual retirement, suggesting he expects to remain involved in the game for at least another decade. For now, his immediate priority is the upcoming Nations League campaign under the guidance of Jorge Jesus, who previously managed the player at club level during their successful Saudi league title run earlier this year.